You WILL see miles of beautiful coastline, picturesque villages, native wildlife, beautiful vegetation, and lots of relaxed, smiling people. Also known as the Emerald Isle, Orcas Island has much to offer: hiking, scenic drives, cycling, swimming, horseback riding, kayaking and whale watching, to name a few popular attractions.

Orcas Island Geography

Orcas Island is shaped like a horseshoe, with Eastsound located at the top of the horseshoe, right in the middle. It takes just 35 minutes to drive the 20 miles from Deer Harbor, on the western side, to Doe Bay on the eastern side.

The center of the island is home to rolling farmland. Sheep and horses graze in many fields.

The western side of the island is dry and rocky with scrubby vegetation. On the eastern side, Mount Constitution (elevation 2,409 feet) in Moran State Park is the highest point in the San Juan Islands.

Transportation

Arrival by Washington State Ferry at Orcas Village (one hour sail from Anacortes, WA) is typical, or schedule a private air or sea charter. Details are here: San Juan Islands Transportation

During the summer tourist season (late June through early September), a San Juan Transit bus shuttles passengers between the ferry landing in Orcas to several main destinations on Orcas Island, and back again, on weekends - Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

History

Contrary to popular thought, Orcas Island is not named for the orca whale population so often seen in the area. “Orcas” is short for the Viceroy of Mexico, Juan Vicente de Guemes Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo, who financed the exploration of Francisco de Eliza in 1791. The name originally applied to part of the San Juan Archipelago, not the island in particular. Orcas Island’s name was made official as applying specifically to the island when the British Admiralty charts were reorganized in 1847.

Orcas Island Washington StateRestaurants

New Leaf Cafe is located inside Outlook Inn, which is on the main drag entering Eastsound from the west side of the island. You can't miss it.

Be sure to check the hours (serves breakfast/brunch and dinner) and make a reservation at this top spot to eat. Savor delicious food with outstanding service while enjoying views of the bay. They also offer outdoor seating when the weather accommodates.

Orcas Island Farmer's Market (Eastsound)

If you're here on a Saturday, you can grab fresh local ingredients from the Saturday morning Farmers Market in Eastsound and make your own meals or brown-paper-bag lunches. Or, you're likely to find many prepared meals. Eat and run, or take it to-go!

May through September Hours: Saturdays, 10a-3p, at above address.October through April Hours: Saturdays, 11a-2p, at the Oddfellows Hall on Haven Street just south of Main Street on the way to Madrona Point.

Orcas Island Washington StateLodging

From renting a house to pitching a tent and everything in-between, there are many options for overnight stays at Orcas Island!

Rent a House

Getaway cabin at the Buck Bay
Shellfish Farm. 1 bedroom, many amenities, complimentary dozen oysters. Details
at the website. Book through the website or through AirBnB: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4039937

For rustic cabins right on the beach: https://beach-haven.com/accommodations/(Note: Cabins are completely booked for June-September of 2018. Perhaps you can call now for space in the summer of 2019, or visit before or after the busy season.)

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